Pepin Family Announced as 2023 Starlight Gala Chairs

February 27, 2023 — The AdventHealth Foundation West Florida is excited to announce the Pepin family will chair its 2023 Starlight Gala, with proceeds funding leading-edge cardiovascular care and equipment at AdventHealth Tampa’s Pepin Heart Institute and throughout AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals. What started in 1986 with Art “Pep” and Tom Pepin’s passionate focus to bring advanced heart care to Tampa Bay, is now continued by Tom, his daughter Tina and Tom’s entire family.

For more than 30 years, the Pepin family’s commitment to the community has paved the way for innovative cardiac care, close to home. As the first accredited Chest Pain Center in the region, the AdventHealth Tampa Pepin Heart Institute is nationally recognized for heart and chest pain care by the American Heart Association, holds several accreditations from the American College of Cardiology and is recognized by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. It was the first in Tampa Bay to offer the TAVR procedure, a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery, and the first in Tampa Bay to utilize the WATCHMAN device to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). AdventHealth Tampa Pepin Heart Institute also leads national heart research studies and performs more than 12,000 surgeries and procedures every year.

As Starlight Gala chairs, the Pepin family will champion fundraising for AdventHealth Tampa Pepin Heart Institute and AdventHealth West Florida’s heart health services, encouraging others to contribute to new treatments, research and innovative technology that will make an impact on future generations and for years to come.

“The Pepin Family is honored to chair the 2023 Starlight Gala,” said Tina Pepin, Executive Director of The Pepin Family Foundation. "Growing up with the Pepin Heart Institute, I formed a passion and commitment to carry on my family’s legacy of making our community a better place. As a granddaughter and daughter of loved ones who have battled heart disease, I understand the importance of expert heart care close to my home. We are excited to join the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team in creating a night full of camaraderie and cuisine to continue the legacy.”

Taking place on Sunday, October 1, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida’s Starlight Gala will bring nearly 900 compassionate community members together to support Expert Care for Every Heart.

“The Pepin family’s legacy has positively impacted countless lives in our community,” said Kristen McCall, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida President. “When Art Pepin needed open-heart surgery, Tom had to take him out of Tampa to receive care. Now, thanks to the dedication of Tom and his family, our neighbors don’t have to travel far to receive the world class heart care they need. We are honored to announce the Pepin family as this year’s Starlight Gala chairs and we look forward to working with them to heal more hearts.”

About the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida

The AdventHealth Foundation West Florida is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that supports programs and services throughout AdventHealth West Florida’s network of care. Through generous donations and acts of gratitude, our Foundation funds state-of-the-art facilities, life-saving equipment and technology, and health and wellness programs that enhance patient experiences and shape the future of whole-person care. With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, we strive to help more people feel whole and live their healthiest lives. For more information, please visit AdventHealthFoundationWestFL.com.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation’s brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes a dozen hospitals spanning seven counties, as well as 10 freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms. We have a robust network of care with primary and specialty employed physicians, and ambulatory care throughout the areas we serve along with home health care and mental health care services through our extensive partnerships. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and more than 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com

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